Diesels might have
gotten a bad rep in the past few years, but they are still big on certain
markets, like Europe, where BMW is expected to launch a hot variant of the new
generation 3-Series powered by an oil burner.
Expected to debut next
year, probably at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, BMWBlog reports that it will be
named the M340d xDrive. As per its designation reveals, it will feature
all-wheel drive, while the powerplant will probably be the same as the one in
the X3 and X4 M40d.
The 3.0-liter
TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder develops 326 PS and a massive 680
Nm of torque in the two SUVs, propelling them to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h in
both models. The average fuel consumption is in the mid-7 l/100 km (31.4 mpg US
/ 37.6 mpg UK), in the WLTP test cycle. Since the 3er will be more aerodynamic
and, presumably, lighter, it could be even faster than the SUVs.
The M340d will
allegedly be available in the Touring (that is, estate) body style of the new
3-Series. In any case, it will sit at the top of the model’s diesel lineup,
above the 330d xDrive that starts at £ 43,065 on-the-road in the
United Kingdom and packs a 265 PS straight-six.
Currently, the
range-topping 3-Series (at least until the new M3 arrives) is the M340i xDrive.
It’s available in both body styles, has a 374 PS inline-six
petrol engine and will set you back £ 48,555 in four-door guise,
whereas the Touring is £ 1,500 more expensive.
